'Pink army' Thunderbirds fans flock to Rundle Mall

A sea of pink filled Adelaide's Rundle Mall today as South Australia's much-loved Thunderbirds returned home after a historic grand final win.

The Adelaide Thunderbirds defeated the Melbourne Vixens in front of 10,040 fans at John Cain Arena and came out on top with a 21-goal margin -- the largest in the national netball league era.

The Thunderbirds beat the Vixens 61-40.

Today, "the pink army" gathered in Rundle Mall to welcome home the victorious team.

'Words can't describe' excitement

Fan J'Aime Braysher said she watched the game with her family, including grandfather Lou Baker, and was "surprised" by the outcome.

"I was so nervous," she said.

"We actually made it, I was surprised.

"I am so proud ... they did so good this year, only one loss."

Charlie Reid, who has played more than 100 netball games for his under 13s mixed team, said that "words can't describe" how excited he was when the Thunderbirds won.

"I've been watching them for a long time," he said.

Skylah Eime, who also plays netball, said she felt "really" proud of the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

Her mother Sharni Eime added that the team gives young girls someone to look up to.

"I think it's so good for the little girls as well, just to have something to look forward to, and some girls to look up to," she said.

'South Australia is our team'

Bronwyn Klei, Chief Executive Officer at Netball South Australia and the Adelaide Thunderbirds, thanked supporters for being "the best fans in the league".

"This is obviously a very big day for netball in South Australia and the Adelaide Thunderbirds and on behalf of everybody I just want to say the biggest thank you to the pink army -- they are the best fans in the league," she said.

"Netball is a team sport and all of South Australia is our team."

Acting South Australian Premier Kyam Maher referred to the win as "an amazing victory".

"To see Adelaide doing so well makes us all so very proud.

Opposition leader Ashton Hurn referred to the grand final as a "ripper".

"They've had an incredible season and it was topped off by an absolute ripper grand final," she said.

Celebrations continue

The Thunderbirds kept the party going with Mad Monday celebrations and swapped their netball uniforms for costumes of their favourite childhood characters.

The Thunderbirds' win comes after it was announced last month that co-captain Georgie Horjus will play for the Australian Diamonds in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

The Commonwealth games will kick off later this month.

A date is yet to be set for the start of the 2027 Suncorp Super Netball season.